"Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez" is the seventh studio album by British virtual band Gorillaz, released on 23 October 2020. It serves as the culmination of the Song Machine project, a web series featuring a collection of singles and music videos, each with different guest artists. The album marks the return of the character Murdoc Niccals in promotional material after his absence from The Now Now in 2018. It received positive reviews from critics. Collaborators on the album include Slowthai, Fatoumata Diawara, Peter Hook, Elton John, and Robert Smith, among others.
The concept of Song Machine was teased via social media in January 2020, accompanied by the promotional single "Song Machine Theme Tune." Damon Albarn and Remi Kabaka Jr discussed the project, emphasizing its narrative flexibility and creative spontaneity. The first episode premiered on 30 January, revealing collaborations with Schoolboy Q. The project was initially planned for monthly releases, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this schedule. Despite the challenges, the band reassured fans that Song Machine would continue.
A tribute single titled "How Far?" was released unexpectedly on 2 May in honor of Tony Allen. The album's title was later revealed, along with its tracklist. The final episodes were released leading up to the album launch.
Musically, the album blends alternative rock, hip hop, electronic music, and various other genres, showcasing Gorillaz's eclectic style. Critics noted its ambitious mixture of sounds, with influences ranging from punk rock to R&B and funk. The record is described as a varied and exploratory affair, capturing the band's signature creativity.
